On day two of the Hogue Commission into foreign interference, two MPs targeted by a PRC cyber-attack describe the Trudeau government’s failure to protect them as a “threat against democracy”.

As the second phase of the federal inquiry into foreign interference gets underway and testimony resumes, Liberal MP John McKay and Conservative MP Garnett Genuis criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government for not informing them they were personally targeted in a massive cyber-attack by Chinese intelligence. The MPs say the inaction amounted to a a “threat against democracy” and “contempt” for Parliament. [See MPs Slam Trudeau Government for Failing to Inform and Protect Politicians Targeted by Chinese Intelligence Hack by Sam Cooper].

Summary

The MPs, who are co-chairs of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in Canada, learned of the attack from the head of IPAC after an FBI investigation and indictment. Testifying before the Hogue Commission, Genius and McKay told the inquiry that Ottawa was informed of the attack by the FBI in 2022 but did not ensure the affected MPs were directly informed. They expressed frustration over the lack of communication, emphasizing the risks posed by the cyber-attack and the uncertainty of whether their colleagues, friends, and families were also exposed.

The attack, carried out by APT31, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, was a pixel reconnaissance attack designed to gather basic data for future, more serious intrusions. The MPs stressed the importance of understanding vulnerabilities to prevent future damage and criticized the government for failing to provide this information.

They also highlighted the potential “downstream” impacts on vulnerable communities and diaspora groups, acknowledging that their safety and wellbeing might not be the only ones at risk.

The MPs’ involvement in IPAC, which addresses human rights abuses in China, including the treatment of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Hong Kong activists, likely made them high-profile targets. IPAC’s work has global significance, challenging Beijing’s actions and addressing the escalating “lawfare” regarding Taiwan.

Continue to the full report by Sam Cooper at The Bureau

This new phase of the inquiry, headed by Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, is expected to hear from more than 70 witnesses over the next five weeks, including members of Parliament, cabinet ministers, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

As part of its focus, the Commission will examine the current capacity of government departments, agencies, institutional structures, and governance processes to combat foreign interference and how their ability to do so has evolved over time. More than 140 individuals and groups have responded to the inquiry’s call for submissions. Commissioner Hogue has met with members of various diaspora communities to understand their experiences and proposed protective measures.

The inquiry has also obtained access to intelligence reports provided to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), which alleged that some parliamentarians have helped foreign governments like China and India interfere in Canadian politics. The inquiry has conducted in-camera hearings with senior government and intelligence agency officials and intends to call these witnesses in upcoming public hearings.

Commissioner Hogue has warned not to expect her to name those parliamentarians, as the allegations are based on classified information that cannot be disclosed to the individuals in question. She intends to address these allegations in the classified version of her final report and make recommendations.

A Toronto Sun editorial describes Hogue’s ruling as “concerning given that the lack of public disclosure about foreign interference by the Trudeau government created the need for Hogue’s inquiry in the first place.” The Sun asks: “How can Canadians have confidence in Canada’s ability to counteract foreign interference if the process is permanently shrouded in excessive secrecy?” [See Secrets Eroding Trust in Our Democracy].

The current phase of the inquiry’s public hearings runs until October 16, followed by five days of policy consultations starting on October 21.

The hearings can be live streamed here: https://foreigninterferencecommission.ca/public-hearings.

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